Beyond a Doubt - By Felicia Rogers Page 0,18
way into a bottle and bobbed along until discovered by a passing contact. Another time the agent embedded a small scrap of paper inside a hat destined for his contact. L.L encoded a message in a handbill for men’s footwear. By pure happenstance the agent’s contact saw his name spelled oddly with the lettering and thus took time to decode the message within.
Scratching his brow, Jean realized that not even L.L.’s contact knew the agent’s identity. Indeed, the thought of finding the agent would be like finding a needle in a haystack.
Gustav would have to find another way. Perhaps finding Joshua, the agent’s current contact, would help.
Parchment and quill in his hand, Jean struggled with the words to write. The Admiral wouldn’t cancel his speech without proof his life was in danger. L.L. was the only one they knew of who could acquire such proof. If L.L. didn’t show up, what would they do?
Chapter Nineteen
“I won’t do it again. I won’t.”
Bryce looked up from the bubbling pot. The meat released a pleasing aroma as he stirred the brew with the spoon.
“I won’t, Bryce, and you can’t make me.”
Bryce didn’t respond as he retrieved bowls from their pack and ladled stew into the containers. Steam rose into the air.
“I know you don’t believe I’m serious but I am.”
He whistled a tune, the words of a familiar song echoing in his mind.
“Bryce, are you listening to me?”
“Aye.”
“Then don’t you want to know what I’m talking about?”
“Verra well. Since I don’t think ye will quit talking ‘til I respond. Please tell me what ye are refusin’ to do.”
Pointing her shaky finger at her horse, she said, “I refuse to climb back on that horse! Every muscle in my body aches from bouncing around and I won’t do it again.”
Bryce sighed. Lucy paced with her hands held at her back. A frown was plastered upon her face. Without warning she changed the subject.
“When will we reach Greenbriar?”
“A few days,” he answered.
“Thank heavens.”
“I’m sorry for yer soreness, lass.”
“Why are you so kind to me?” Lucy asked, raising her brow.
Bryce shrugged.
“I’ve been rude, testy, moody, and I’ve complained constantly, yet you are continuously kind and considerate.”
“I’m commanded to be this way.”
As he watched, she placed a finger upon the dry, dusty ground and drew a fish. Bryce stared at the image. It was the Christian symbol used during the time of Christ. With his foot, Bryce rubbed away the design and smiled.
They rested. Bryce could have spent the remainder of his days in this one spot. This was the most riding he’d done in years and truthfully Lucy was not the only one suffering from the experience.
When they started out the next morning, they walked. For the next three days, they alternated between walking and riding. Finally Greenbriar came in sight and Bryce had to stop himself from kissing the ground.
They entered the keep and a large man fitting Cedric’s description approached them. Bryce bowed and said, “Laird Cedric, it is a pleasure to make yer acquaintance again.”
Introductions made, Bryce passed Duncan’s letter over. Cedric and Sarra welcomed the couple with open arms. They received a suite of rooms in the main keep. Bryce was impressed by Sarra’s English hospitality.
“Charism, do you remember Bryce Cameron?” asked Sarra, playing hostess.
“Nay,” answered the elderly woman.
“Of course you do. He was one of Duncan Sinclair’s men. We met him when you helped Arbella birth the twins.”
“Big man, no fightin’ skills, didn’t talk much?”
Sarra cringed but Bryce smiled. The woman had him pegged right from the beginning.
And that was how the visit went. By afternoon everyone was on a first-name basis and sharing stories.
Cedric MacNeil, Laird of Greenbriar, was in rare form with his tales. “Too scared to meet the ancient woman of the keep myself, I hired someone to do it for me. The man returned with stories of floatin’ heads and ghosties! Imagine my surprise when I fell madly in love with the maid, only to discover she was the true perpetrator of those acts!”
Sarra landed a playful swat upon Cedric’s arm and asked, “And how did you two meet?”
“I saved him from drowning,” answered Lucy.
“Aye, she did,” said Bryce.
Lucy played with her food and explained. “Pulled him out of the water and what does he do but accuse me right then and there of trying to push him under to begin with. Why, I’d never been so angry in my life!”
Hoots of merriment convulsed through the attendees.
“Why are you together now?” questioned Sarra.
“Bryce is assisting me. I